Strawflower
Xerochrysum bracteatum
Also called everlasting daisy, paper daisy
Strawflower is a sun-loving daisy from Australia prized for papery blooms that keep their color when dried. Seeds sprout in about 7 to 10 days in warm conditions and should be left uncovered.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 7–10 days
- Germination temperature
- 21–24 °C70–75 °F
- Sowing depth
- On the surface
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About strawflower
Strawflower is a daisy-like flower from Australia, grown for its papery, straw-textured bracts that keep their shape and color when dried. The blooms come in yellow, orange, white, red and pink, with yellow centers. It is also listed under the older name Helichrysum bracteatum.
Plants are usually grown as annuals, but one profile describes them as short-lived tender perennials, and another lists them as annual or biennial. The ncsu description says blooms run from late spring until frost.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 25–36 cm10–14 in
- Spread
- 15–46 cm6–18 in
- Frost tolerance
- Not yet verified
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Not yet verified
02 · How to grow
How to grow strawflower from seed
Sowing. Start seed indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before planting out. Leave the seed uncovered, because it needs light to germinate. Seed germinates in 7 to 10 days at 70 to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C). Another profile recommends sowing in spring at 18 °C (64 °F).
Transplanting and direct sowing. Harden off seedlings and transplant them out after the danger of frost has passed. Where summers are long, direct sowing outdoors is an option.
Site and soil. Plant in full sun in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil that is neutral to alkaline.
Seed and support. Plants may self-seed, but many cultivars will not grow true from seed. Taller types may need staking.
03 · Care
Caring for strawflower
Deadhead regularly to encourage side shoots and more blooms. A light pruning once a year encourages branching. Plants can be cut back after flowering. Taller plants may need staking to stay upright.
At a glance
How strawflower compares with other flowers
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.
- Strawflower
- Each of the other flowers
- Their average
- Germination timeSprouts sooner than average
7–10 days
Average for flowers: 12 days, from 42 other seeds
- Germination temperatureWarmer than average
21–24 °C70–75 °F
Average for flowers: 21 °C70 °F, from 40 other seeds
- Sowing depthShallower than average
On the surface
Average for flowers: 4 mm⅛ in, from 25 other seeds
- HeightShorter than average
25–36 cm10–14 in
Average for flowers: 71 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common strawflower problems
The plant may be prone to downy mildew, and no insect problems are known. Another profile describes it as generally pest-free but possibly susceptible to downy mildews. High humidity, rainy weather and too much overhead watering can cause leaf problems or poor flower quality.
05 · Harvest
Harvesting strawflower
Cut blooms when two or three layers of petals have unfolded, before the center fully opens. Blooms that are past their best close on dark or overcast days, so harvest on bright mornings. Keeping blooms cut or deadheaded supports higher yields. Cut fresh flowers last a long time.
06 · Storage
Storing strawflower
Flowers keep their shape and color when dried, which makes them well suited to dried arrangements. Overmature blooms shatter and discolor during drying, so pick them at the right stage.
Strawflower questions
How long do strawflower seeds take to germinate?
Seeds usually sprout in 7 to 10 days when kept at 70 to 75 °F (21 to 24 °C).
Should I cover strawflower seeds when planting?
No. Strawflower seed needs light to germinate, so it should not be covered.
Can I grow strawflower in a pot?
Dwarf varieties do well in containers, along with rock gardens and window boxes.
How tall do strawflowers grow?
One profile gives a mature height of 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm). Some cultivars can reach up to 5 feet (about 152 cm) tall.
Quick answers
More strawflower questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How deep should I sow strawflower seeds?
Sow them on the surface.
How much sun does strawflower need?
Strawflower grows in full sun.
What temperature do strawflower seeds need to sprout?
Strawflower seeds germinate at 21–24 °C70–75 °F.
Side by side
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